2–4 weeks · Europe by train

The definitive Interrail guide

Pick one axis (north, Alps or south), understand the pass and avoid a new city every night.

Pass3 axesBudgetCompanions
Adapt this guide

Pick one axis (not three)

The classic mistake: wanting Scandinavia + Alps + Mediterranean in two weeks. Pick one axis, travel slow and leave air between cities.

European station with travelers

Three routes that work

Three suggested arcs — compare and pick one.

North

Soft Scandinavia

Copenhagen → Stockholm → Oslo (or Bergen). Design, fika and nature.

  • Pricey: fewer cities, more nights per base.
  • Best spring/summer; winter is another vibe.
Centre

Alps and capitals

Paris/Amsterdam → Switzerland or Austria → Munich/Milan.

  • Swiss/Austrian seat reservations: check early.
  • Mix city + 1 alpine valley, not 5 peaks.
South

Italy–Adriatic

Barcelona/Marseille → Rome/Florence → Split or Athens (ferry/short hop).

  • Heat and queues in summer: go early or travel May/September.
  • Croatian coast nights = perfect reset after Italy.

Interrail pass: the essentials

Flexi vs continuous

Flexi = loose travel days. Continuous = ride almost daily.

Reservations

France, Spain, night Italy: reserve seats. Don’t wing everything.

Healthy pace

Max 1 long transfer every 2–3 nights.

Luggage

Backpack > hard suitcase. Station stairs don’t forgive.

Daily budget (approx.)

Excluding the pass. North pricey · South more flexible.

€35–60

South / East

€55–90

Central Europe

€80–130

North

€15–40

Reservations / extras

Station smarts

Sleep nearby

First and last night near the station = less train stress.

Food on the move

Supermarket before long trains. The buffet car is not Plan A.

Companions

Agree pace (museums vs nightlife) before buying the pass.

Magic nights

One well-chosen night train saves a hotel and feels like adventure.

Interrail mistakes

A new city every night

You’ll only see stations. Minimum 2 nights per base.

Download the official app

Digital pass, timetables and reservations in one place.

Always have a Plan B

Strikes and delays happen. One flexible night saves the trip.

Underestimate reservations

In summer, some trains sell out. Reserve the critical ones.

Interrail checklist

Build your Interrail on TripMatches

Create the trip, invite your group and find travelers on the same axis. Trains are better in good company.

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